Botulism is a severe intoxication or food poisoning resulting from the ingestion of the toxin produced by the bacteria clostridium botulinum. Infant botulism results from the ingestion of the bacteria and subsequent production of the toxin in the infant's intestinal tract. Both forms are rarely reported in Memphis. In 1999, there was one reported case of infant botulism and no cases of foodborne botulism were reported.

Foodborne botulism is acquired through the ingestion of the toxin in foods which were not properly canned or preserved, or which were not adequately cooked or reheated before eating. Most cases in the United States are due to home-canned fruits and vegetables. Infants develop botulism through the ingestion of food contaminated with the bacterial spores, which then produce the toxin in the gastrointestinal tract. Person-to-person spreading does not occur.

Recognized sources of infant botulism, such as honey, should not be fed to infants. All canned and preserved foods should be properly processed and prepared. Bulging containers should not be opened and foods with off-odors should not be eaten or even tasted. Commercial cans with bulging lids should be returned unopened to the place where purchased.